China premier Li Keqiang urges more pro-growth policies as economy sputters

China’s Premier Li Keqiang asked local officials from six key provinces that account for about 40 per cent of the country’s economy to bolster pro-growth measures after data for July showed consumption and output fell below expectations due to Covid-19 lockdowns and the ongoing property slump.

Li told officials at a meeting to take the lead in helping boost consumption and offer more fiscal support via government bond issuance for investments, state television CCTV reported Tuesday (Aug 16) evening.

He also vowed to “reasonably” step up policy support to stabilize employment, prices and ensure economic growth.

“Only when the main entities of the market are stable can the economy and employment be stable,” Li was cited as saying at the meeting in the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party.

The meeting came after Monday’s surprise interest-rate cut did little to allay concern over the property and Covid Zero-led slowdown.

Economists have warned of even weaker growth and have called for additional stimulus, such as further cuts in policy rates and bank reserve ratios and more fiscal spending.

Li acknowledged the greater-than-expected downward pressure from Covid-19 lockdowns in the second quarter and asked the local officials to strike a balance between Covid-19 control measures and the need to lift the economy.

“Only by development shall we solve all problems,” he said.

Indicating China may resort to more local debt issuance to pump-prime the economy, Li said “the balance of local special bonds has not reached the debt limit” and the country should “activate the debt limit space according to law”.

Li urged local governments to accelerate the construction of projects with sound fundamentals in the third quarter to drive investment, the report said, adding that the premier also asked officials to expand domestic consumption of big-ticket items such as automobiles and support housing demand.

He also stressed the importance of opening up the domestic market to foreign investors, noting that the six major provinces; Guangdong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Henan, Sichuan and Shandong account for nearly 60 per cent of the country’s total foreign trade and foreign investment.

“Opening up is the only way to make full use of the two markets and resources and improve international competitiveness,” Li was cited as saying.

The Chinese premier’s appearance suggests state leaders have completed their annual two-week policy retreat in resort area of Beidaihe.

SOURCE: NEWS AGENCIES